Dry Socket is the most common complication of extraction (removing a tooth). Most commonly associated with wisdom teeth extractions & lower molar extraction. Dry Socket is one in which the patient is having pain due to the loss of the blood clot from the socket following extraction, thus exposing the bone to air, food, and fluids. Patient experiences excruciating pain along with an offensive odor. This often occurs two or more days after an extraction and can last about 5-6 days.
This condition occurs most commonly when:
- Individuals smoke before their recommended time. Smoking: decreases healing, decrease blood supply to the protective blood clot, brings toxic products to the area, injuries the gum tissue and the negative pressure of sucking removes the blood clot from the surgery site.
- You do not care for your extraction site as instructed by staff.
- You do not follow your home care instructions.
- Sucking action from smoking, sneezing, coughing, spitting or sucking, within the first 24 hours.
- Women taking oral contraceptives are more susceptible.
